Second Mobility - Portugal

The second mobility of the program took place in Braga, Portugal in  Agrupamento de Escolas André Soares from September 18th to 21st, 2023

The meeting began with a warm welcome from the Director and the teachers of the host school. A musical event featuring classical and traditional music followed, while a group of rhythmic gymnastics students performed impressive exercises.

Subsequently, the program's teachers were given a tour of the school's facilities and were briefed on its operations. They also interacted with students of all ages. As part of this, they visited the section of the school that accommodates children with special needs and observed the deep knowledge, interest, and care provided by their special education teachers. The school tour concluded with a visit to the schoolyard where children were painting a "fresco" on the theme of inclusion. The first day's program was completed with a visit to iconic landmarks on the outskirts of the city, significant to its history and culture.

The second day began with a presentation on the Portuguese educational system and continued with an analysis of the questionnaire results on inclusion, which had been answered by educators and students from all participating schools in the program. This was followed by a discussion and exchange of opinions among the teachers.

Later, the teachers had the opportunity not only to observe but also to interact with students with learning difficulties during imaginative and creative teaching sessions in mathematics, literature, and physical education.

In the afternoon, there was an organised tour of Braga's Historic Center, which is an UNESCO World Heritage site.

On Wednesday, September 20, 2023, the group of educators from the program traveled to Porto and toured the beauties of the old city. Specifically, they visited the city's cathedral and its corresponding museum, where they had the opportunity to closely admire the interior of the monument and learn about the history of the museum's exhibits. Following this, they strolled through the streets of Ribeira and took a boat trip on the Douro River, where the partners had the chance to observe the unique architecture and aesthetics of Porto's houses and enjoy the natural scenery. The trip concluded with a meal and a tour of the São Bento train station, decorated with 20,000 tiles depicting important moments in the city's history.

The last day of the visit to the school in Braga, Thursday, September 21, 2023, started with presentations by the five groups on myths, legends, and traditions of their respective countries. It was followed by a partner meeting to evaluate the mobility in Portugal and prepare for the next visit to the school in Italy.

Afterwards, in the context of inclusion, the teachers had the opportunity to watch students prepare desserts, engage in crafting activities, and visit São Lázaro primary school. There, they were informed by the special education staff about the school's daily program and its operations. Meanwhile, in the courtyard of the host school, students completed the “fresco” with a message of inclusion.

The program ended in an atmosphere filled with positive emotions, and the educators renewed their meeting appointment for November in Misilmeri, Sicily, where they will gather once again!